Li Hong Liang – Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist | North York, ON

Li Hong Liang is a dedicated Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) (Acupuncture Services). Practicing at Sheppard Bathurst RMT Registered Massage Therapy in North York, ON, she is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Li's approach focuses on providing skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management (musculoskeletal pain, headaches), stress reduction, sleep issues, and general wellness support. Her care is centered on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized care tailored to each individual's needs.

Li Hong Liang completed her R. TCMP, R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2013). With over 11 years of dedicated practice since 2013, she is committed to ongoing professional learning and upholding the highest standards of TCM practice. She has a particular interest in areas such as TCM dietary therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a commitment to individualized treatment based on precise TCM pattern differentiation, ensuring care is tailored to each person's unique constitution and condition; identifying and treating the root cause of illness (Ben Qíu Bìng Gēn), rather than just alleviating symptoms, to achieve long-lasting health.

She offers consultations in English, making her services accessible to a diverse range of patients seeking holistic health solutions rooted in traditional wisdom and modern techniques.

Li Hong Liang provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Womens Health Gynecological

• Fertility Enhancement & Infertility Support (For All Genders): Holistic and personalized support to enhance the chances of conception, support a healthy implantation and pregnancy, and address factors contributing to subfertility.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis - TCM Supportive Care: Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, to help manage symptoms associated with PCOS (e.g., irregular or absent menses, acne, hirsutism, ovarian cysts, insulin resistance) and endometriosis (e.g., pelvic pain, painful periods, heavy bleeding, infertility) by regulating hormones, reducing inflammation, invigorating Blood circulation, and resolving Phlegm-Damp or Blood Stasis.

Other Common

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Adrenal Fatigue Support (TCM): Acupuncture, moxibustion, and tonifying herbal therapies to address the profound exhaustion and complex symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by strengthening Spleen Qi, nourishing Kidney Essence (Yin and Yang), resolving Dampness, and calming the Shen.
• Bell's Palsy & Facial Paralysis Recovery: Supporting nerve healing and restoring facial muscle control through targeted acupuncture and TCM therapies.
• Dizziness & Vertigo (TCM Perspective): Acupuncture and herbal formulas to address various types of dizziness and vertigo by treating underlying TCM patterns such as Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm-Damp obstruction, or Qi and Blood deficiency.
• Supportive Care During & After Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects): Integrative TCM care focused on alleviating treatment-related discomfort, enhancing immune function, and supporting the patient's overall well-being throughout their cancer journey.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Arthritis & Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis - Supportive Care): TCM approaches, including acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine, to reduce joint inflammation, alleviate pain, decrease stiffness, and improve function in individuals with various forms of arthritis.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Holistic TCM approaches, including acupuncture, gentle cupping, moxibustion, and carefully selected herbal support, to manage the complex symptoms of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, such as widespread pain, tender points, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and 'fibro fog'.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. TCM diagnosis is based on individual patterns, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Li can assess your needs.

• Classical & Patent Chinese Herbal Formulas: Using established and time-tested patent herbal remedies (Cheng Yao) that have been trusted for generations to address specific symptoms or support overall health and organ system balance.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: An extensive assessment exploring your main health concerns through the holistic lens of TCM, including detailed questioning, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and observation of physical signs to determine the root cause of disharmony and guide treatment.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Assessing up to 28 distinct pulse qualities to contribute to a comprehensive TCM diagnosis, guiding the selection of appropriate acupuncture points and herbal formulas.
• Customized Chinese Herbal Medicine Prescription (R.TCMP Scope): Expert formulation of potent Chinese herbal remedies based on classical TCM principles and modern research, designed to treat specific ailments, strengthen the body, and support long-term constitutional health.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: In-depth analysis of various tongue characteristics to help formulate an accurate TCM pattern diagnosis and a highly individualized treatment plan.
• Herbal Medicine Preparation & Counseling: Educating patients on the actions and benefits of their specific herbal prescription and ensuring they understand how to take their herbs safely and effectively for optimal results.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Li, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

At Sheppard Bathurst RMT Registered Massage Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Li frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's rewarding for Li to witness patients find relief from managing side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments more comfortably and experience reduced cravings and better management of withdrawal symptoms, aiding in addiction recovery (e.g., smoking cessation) through TCM. A tailored approach can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in engaging in gentle exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or yoga with improved balance, flexibility, and energy flow again.
• Restoring harmony is key in TCM. For curious about facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture for a natural anti-aging approach, Li crafts treatments to achieve experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, supporting a return to activities like simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air and mental clarity with comfort and confidence.
• Li believes in a partnership with patients. When feeling stressed out, anxious, overwhelmed, or panicky most of the time arises, a collaborative TCM plan targets a stronger, more robust, and resilient immune system, leading to fewer colds, flu, or other infections, enabling a more active lifestyle including resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Li can be a turning point for those affected by heartburn, acid reflux, or general indigestion after meals. The goal is achieving a profound sense of relaxation, calm, and overall well-being following treatments, paving the way for you to enjoy playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness and a more balanced, vibrant life.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Li, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

Li practices at Sheppard Bathurst RMT Registered Massage Therapy, situated in a dedicated acupuncture and TCM clinic in the heart of North York's central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easy for patients to incorporate their appointments into their daily routines. Accessible via multiple public transit routes, it offers a welcoming environment for those seeking holistic healing. Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Street parking is often available nearby.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

For most people, acupuncture is not painful. The needles used are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation upon insertion. Some common sensations include a slight initial pinch, followed by a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness around the needle site, which usually indicates the treatment is working effectively to stimulate your body's Qi. Many patients report feeling very relaxed and even fall asleep during the session. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and exclusively use sterile, single-use needles to ensure your safety and prevent infection. If you ever feel any notable pain, inform your Registered TCM Practitioner immediately.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is a core concept in TCM, representing the vital energy or life force that animates the body and drives its functions. When Qi flows smoothly and abundantly, health is maintained. **Meridians** are like a network of rivers or channels that carry Qi and Blood throughout the body, connecting different organs and tissues. Illness or pain can arise if the flow of Qi in these meridians becomes blocked, deficient, or excessive. Acupuncture and other TCM therapies aim to restore the proper flow of Qi within these meridians.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. According to TCM theory, this helps to stimulate and balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture can help by reducing pain, alleviating stress and anxiety, improving sleep, regulating bodily functions (like digestion and hormones), boosting the immune system, and promoting overall well-being by encouraging the body's natural healing abilities.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM), Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications for specific health conditions or during pregnancy. They educate patients on proper herbal use, dosage, and possible side effects. It is important to inform your practitioner about all medications and health conditions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Do not self-prescribe herbs or buy from unreliable sources, as this can pose safety risks.

Is TCM and Acupuncture suitable for children or the elderly?

Absolutely. TCM offers gentle and effective options for all ages. Pediatric TCM may involve techniques like Shonishin (a non-invasive needling technique), acupressure, and dietary advice. For seniors, acupuncture and herbal medicine can be beneficial for managing age-related conditions, pain, and enhancing quality of life. Your Registered TCM Practitioner will tailor treatments to be appropriate and comfortable for each individual.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that has been used for thousands of years. It includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and lifestyle advice. A Registered TCM Practitioner uses these therapies to address root imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, aiming to restore harmony and promote long-term health. It can help with a wide range of conditions and improve overall vitality.

Are acupuncture and TCM services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

Generally, acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are not covered by Ontario's provincial health plan (OHIP). Patients usually pay out-of-pocket, but many private or extended health insurance plans offer partial or full coverage for these services. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding your specific coverage.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in ON?

In Ontario, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy to understand the requirements.

Sheppard Bathurst RMT Registered Massage Therapy
631 Sheppard Ave W
North York, ON, M3H 2S3

Phone: (416) 901-4768

Li Hong Liang is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.

Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=cb78c309-b976-e611-80c3-005056a97495

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.